Brown, who has requested a trade, according to ESPN, was involved in a mid-week dispute with his quarterback during a walk-through. While various reports have emerged, it's not clear exactly what happened during the practice, though Brown was "privately upset," according to ESPN, that Roethlisberger publically criticized Brown's route-running on a late interception in a Week 12 loss to the Broncos.

The Steelers listed Brown on the injury report leading up to a crucial Week 17 game, and he did not suit up for the game. Brown left the game at halftime, and he has since been fueling trade speculation on social media.

Roethlisberger and Brown have been at odds in the past, and the Steelers' franchise QB has called out his top receiver multiple times in the media over the last two seasons. According to Brown, Big Ben has an "owner mentality," and his Steelers teammates don't have the leverage to respond.

No conflict just a matter of respect! Mutual respect! He has a owner mentality like he can call out anybody including coaches. Players know but they can’t say anything about it otherwise they meal ticket gone. It’s a dirty game within a game. #truthhttps://t.co/MsSyBVd3Ny

Not for the money its for the love of the sport ! The commitment to win relentlessly consistently passionately ! Plus I made 70 million it’s public record not to be cocky just truth! Time to play for my own Team AB84 the family ! https://t.co/v4vFO2QCSf

Best interest this be my first meeting with Mr Rooney ever as Antonio Brown the man not AB84 the player in locker 🤝! never been to my house ; there house ; like what AM I Really doing ! Less then what you bargain for more than real #Truthhttps://t.co/Xiitf0si2I

After the coach tell the team I quit while nursing some bumps then invite me to watch the show with same guys thinking I quit i can not stand with that! I’m the bad guy doe we miss post season think about it https://t.co/imrJ8jnnBc

Yea it’s positively over negativity mid season why fire back this perfect example of being the bigger man! When I could easily point finger ! I pointed at me because i bet on me faith in me not no one else https://t.co/9XnNhZGPQg